Although wonderfully spacious Master Suites and Media Centers are increasing aspects of current home design, the central core of a homes living space is where much of the living gets done. What makes a Great Room…GREAT?…is your ability to enjoy all aspects of living…inside and out.

Connecting the Great Room to the kitchen and dining area is a key ingredient in the way our homeowners use their homes. Contrary to the “cubicle” concept of traditional home design in previous decades…the objective now is to eliminate the walls separating ourselves from our guests. The unique nature of Timber Framed construction allows this flexibility. Combining space and allowing the interior to co-mingle with the exterior, enables all occupants to do the same.

Within…just a few steps The “Gathering Space” flows to comfy seating by a toasty fire. Gathering is encouraged and inspired by the connectivity of all areas. The jaw dropping beauty of custom crafted, structural Timbers enhances the pleasure and enjoyment of all in its embrace. It’s strength and artisanal, furniture like aesthetic, provide a dramatic and historic remembrance of the way building used to be. And for us…still is!

Every summer…our Lilies reappear. Needless to say they’re not only beautiful…but incredibly reliable. The pleasure they bring is truly amazing, tangible and appreciated literally…as well as beneath our consciousness. As if they are enjoying us…enjoying them!!!

As we approach another thing of beauty…the TFG CONFERENCE in Manchester, NH, August 7th -10th…TFU wants to GUILD that Lily by offering a…

FULL CONFERENCE SPONSORSHIP, worth $525.00 to an APPRENTICE or STUDENT level participant.

Also…for active STUDENTS / APPRENTICES, engaged in the craft or study of Timber Framing who are not currently members of the TF GUILD, TFU is offering…

NEW MEMBER SPONSORSHIP for SIX STUDENT / APPRENTICE candidates.

To apply for either sponsorship…simply CLIK HERE and provide your contact info. You’ll be notified shortly if you have been chosen. Please include a commentary about your interest in TF, your learning experience, school, shop, etc., to date and your hope for the future. I look forward to meeting you at the conference.

All others should remember to REGISTER for the CONFERENCE early. Attending, enjoying, contributing and participating and these extraordinary gatherings of exceptionally crafty individuals is a very good thing to do.

What???? Is that veteran Timber Framer Jeff Davis of Davis “Timber” Frame Co. in this Poster for the Sullivan, Davis, Hanscom Band? Well I believe it is! I always knew there was something special about that boy. And to prove it Jeff has offered a dozen COMPLIMENTARY copies of their BARE WITNESS album to all members who simply say HELLO…and…oh yeah…make a contribution of $20.00 or more to the TFG RE-Membering Fund. Send a copy of your TFG Store receipt here and we’ll ship your CD in time for… some really good times!

CAUTION…wear tight socks when listening to this album…otherwise it will Rock Them Off. Crazy good music. Luv it…and working with this Renaissance man of TF.

After 16 years of love and dedication we sadly say goodbye to GAGE. TFU Field Managers, Jessica, Drew and Marleigh Skelton’s wonderful Lab peacefully left us this week nestled in the comforting arms of his family. A sweeter PUP would be hard to find. At TFU and DFC HQ we’re sad…but proud to have known this exceptional friend and companion.

Step THREE:
What is there to see…Views…and where do we want to see it from?

Kezar Pond

Step FOUR:
Hand sketching preliminary floor plans based on the above site dynamics, and a patient revision process ensures a well considered final plan.

Preliminary Hand Sketch

Step FIVE:
Prepare a precise quote for the finalized design concept.

Step SIX:
Approve and order the package which satisfies your preferences as well as your budget.

Step SEVEN:
We meet with, and assist the process of integrating our unique Timber Frame and SIP components with your LOCAL BUILDER / GC. We maintain availability throughout the entire building process to provide any and all specialized information relative to the package we provide.

Step EIGHT:
Move in and ENJOY!!!

BEAUTY, ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND SPECTACULAR VIEWS.

CLIK PIC for VIRTUAL HOME TOUR

Our new ECO FRIENDLY HOME built in Fryeburg, Maine is a wonderful example of DFC Design, Energy Efficiency and Beautiful living. It’s Mt. Washington and Kezar Pond setting doesn’t hurt a bit. Enjoy a detailed VIRTUAL HOME TOUR to understand every nook and cranny of this special home.

Our Claremont design team collaborated with the client and their General Contractor, MAIN ECO HOMES.

The 44,000 SF TOWN CENTER PROJECT in TOWACO, NJ is pressing forward to completion. A major improvement, combining retail, residential and the 12,000 SF RAILS STEAKHOUSE launches this quiet North Jersey community as a destination for shoppers, commuters and fine dining.

Our client’s dedication to detail is evidenced in his participation and input in every aspect of the project. This original flooring pattern in an entry alcove is an example of his extraordinary artistry and vision. This assembly of individual “tree slices” in a book-matched pattern is not for the timid of heart or craft.

This “natural”…and beautifully crafted, dining loft railing and branch baluster design encloses the open floor to the main dining level. A full size tree trunk sails through multiple levels to the roof.

Every indication is that future guests of RAILS will be attended with the same attention and creativity. The unique nature of these architectural details will be reflected in exceptional service, embracing ambiance and simply great food. WHAT’S NOT TO LIKE…..

Treat yourself to this “virtual” guided tour of RAILS STEAKHOUSE @ Towaco Crossing. Watch for future progress reports and an opportunity for an invite to the GRAND OPENING.

After over 50 years of experience as a Carpenter/Builder many things have changed. Some haven’t. If there’s a repetitive theme… budget is it.

All agree that Timber Framed, SIP enclosed homes are DURABLE, ENERGY EFFICIENT and BEAUTIFUL. But…are they AFFORDABLE… and how do they compare price wise to conventional STICK FRAMED construction?

Our answer to the question of AFFORDABILITY is an unqualified YES! Are we prejudiced in that opinion… well of course. But not only for the reasons you might suspect.

The homes we live in are not merely containers for keeping us dry and warm. They are truly the largest INVESTMENT most of us worker-bees make in our lifetime.

DURABILITY, ENERGY EFFICIENCY, BEAUTY and increased MARKET VALUE are the ROI of our homes. If a custom design results in more front end investment, the back end provides a substantial payback. If you’ve toured a Timber Frame home, whether a modest design like our 1800 SF CLASSIC HOMESTEAD MODEL1800 SF Classic Homestead or a more ambitious custom design…the experience is the same…JAW DROPPING.

Any well built home will require a significant budgetary commitment…Timber Framed, stick framed of otherwise. At the end of it all the payback and Return On your Investment should guide your choices. We believe that equation is enhanced when investing in our Multi-Generational Homes.

But…don’t take our word for it… visit and meet our homeowners and ask them yourself. CLIK HERE to schedule a tour of TF homes in your area.

1. Vehicles bursting into flames on I-78 East (miraculously no injuries) during my recent trip to Gettysburg, PA to attend the TFBC BoD meeting.

2. Accompanied by my own 540 degree spin out and collision with the guard rail…luckily alone on the road at the time.

3. Buried in 27″ of snow in my OWN driveway. Thanks to Bruce my friend and TOW guy…we are now mobile, after two days of being stranded.

Soooo we’ve decided to leave beautiful downtown Long Valley, NJ and float on down to the land of Umbrella Drinks and warm water. We’re taking a 1000 or so of our best friends on our little cruiser called the Norwegian Gem.

BUT…don’t panic we will be back in action on Thursday, February 27th. In the meantime please connect with our Claremont office with any questions or concerns. Ask for Molly Deluca or Peter Donovan. (800) 636.0993

As always our homeowners…current and future…along with friends and family are invited to visit the upcoming Timber Frame Home Show in ALLENTOWN, PA from March 28 – 30th. Clik above link for schedule, location and other info.

Provide the names of all attendees. Your passes will be waiting at the will-call desk at the entrance to the show. We look forward to seeing you there. Bring your design ideas, architectural drawings or napkin sketches.

BONUS! Our long time friend and Architect Colleague, ART DEMAREST will be on board to review and discuss your project design and vision. CLIK HERE to visit Art’s website and learn more about him and his projects.

I must admit…even with 54 plus years as a carpenter/builder, our recent Timber Frame raising in Whitehouse Station, NJ was a bit harrowing. (See my boots on the right). Sub-zero temps, icy perimeter and limited access were our constant partners during a week long project with no Mike at Johnsonbreaks, power bar lunches and occasional slips and falls.

In the end…our compact and beautiful TF addition to an existing home worked out well…and all survived. With other projects and commitments to address there was no option for longer weather delays than our client already experienced. So raise it we did. Thank you team mates Michael (left) and Al (right) (aka Anim-AL). We truly would have been unable to sustain our commitment to our client without your can-do, will-do focus.

Thanks also to Taylor (the Nailer), son of the owner who jumped in to help anytime he was not in school. He appeared each afternoon, tool belt strapped on and ready to go. We are very grateful for your help and impressed with your willing and voluntary work ethic.